Pages

Friday, 5 October 2012

Kenyan PM Condemns Mombasa attack as death toll rises to 4

-->

Kenyan Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi
(R) soothes the wife of his slain body guard in Kenyan coastal city of Mtwapa,
Oct. 4, 2012. Four people including Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi's body
bodyguard were killed after suspected machete-welding members of the group, the
Mombasa Republic Council (MRC), stormed a political rally which the minister
was addressed and roughed up several other people. (Xinhua/Mbuyu Cazeiya)

-->
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has
condemned attack by hooligans at a rally that has so far claimed four lives in
the coastal town of Mtwapa on Thursday.
Four people including Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi's body bodyguard died
after suspected machete-welding members of the group, the Mombasa Republic
Council (MRC) stormed a political rally which the minister was addressed and
roughed up several people.
However, the minister escaped unhurt in the incident in Kilifi country which
also left local politician Stewart Madzao injured and has since been admitted
at the hospital.
In his statement Odinga said the act of hooliganism and terror stands
condemned, adding that it has no place in the society.
"I wish to convey a message of condolence to families and friends of
the innocent Kenyans who lost their lives during an attack by hooligans at a
rally in Mtwapa early today," Odinga said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
"I say sorry also to Hon Amason Kingi who escaped from this attack but
lost his body guard and to Stewart Madzayo who was also a victim in this
attack."
The PM said the attack by suspected MRC members who have been calling for
secession of the coastal region has no place in the society Kenyans are
struggling and sacrificing to create.
"It is a misguided agitation that cannot and will not be tolerated at
all. Those behind this attack must be pursued, arrested and brought to
justice," Odinga said.
Meanwhile, the minister, who escaped unhurt, was treated for shock at a
private hospital and later discharged. The doctors said he is in a stable
condition.
Divisional police commander, Clement Wangai said the minister was attending
youth rally in the area when five armed men emerged from the crowd and attacked
the dignitaries.
Wangai said the minister's bodyguards were slashed as he shielded him from
one of the attacker's when he was chopping off his right hand. He later
succumbed to injuries after being rushed to the hospital.(Xinhua)